MTR has awarded an Arup-Aecom joint venture a preliminary design consultancy contract to kick start planning and design for the main line of Hong Kong’s Northern Link project.

The Northern Link will be a key transport connection in the northwest and northern part of Hong Kong’s New Territories. The scope of the consultancy includes the development of an engineering design, preparation of the construction programme, gazette plans and project cost estimate, as well as liaison with government departments and other stakeholders. The joint venture will work closely with MTR’s capital works team to deliver the design elements.

In December 2020, the Hong Kong government invited MTR to proceed with the detailed planning and design of the Northern Link project, which will involve the construction of a new station at Kwu Tung along the Lok Ma Chau branch line between Sheung Shui station and Lok Ma Chau station, as well as a 10.7km line linking Kam Sheung Road Station on the Tuen Ma Line and the new Kwu Tung station via three intermediate stations in San Tin, Ngau Tam Mei and Au Tau.

Other works, including ground investigation and a survey of existing utilities, are already underway. Construction is expected to commence in 2025 and is scheduled to be completed in 2034.

“The award of this contract marks a significant step forward for the Northern Link project,” says Mr Roger Bayliss, capital works director of MTR Corporation. “The Northern Link will support the overall development and enhance the connectivity of the area. Moreover, residents from the New Territories North will enjoy the transport convenience through the railway network linking up the east and west as the project continues to develop. We will actively engage the local communities during the preliminary design of the project.”

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